- Telegram lets you protect your account with a passcode, password, and two-factor authentication, offering multiple levels of security based on your device and needs.
- Currently, passkeys and WebAuthn authentication are not natively integrated into Telegram, but are possible in third-party miniapps through external browsers and intermediate servers.
- Telegram Passport guarantees maximum privacy for your personal data and documents with end-to-end encryption exclusive to the user, managing each element with unique keys and identifiers.
- A local passcode and two-factor authentication are highly recommended to protect your account from mobile theft, hacking, or unauthorized access, and should be set up along with a recovery email.
Privacy and security have become essential priorities for instant messaging users. Telegram, as one of the most used applications in the world, stands out for offering advanced options protection for your account and personal data. In this article we are going to talk about Telegram Passkeys, a new secure login tool.
Set up a code or password on any device, including how two-step verification works, advanced personal data processing, and even Telegram Passport encryption. If you're interested in all of this, keep reading.
What are Telegram Passkeys?
The term passkey has been raising questions among Telegram users for years. In the English-speaking world, "passkey" usually refers to both a access key (password) as, more recently, to standards-based authentication systems such as WebAuthn or FIDO2, where traditional passwords are not used but physical or biometric security keys.
On Telegram, for now, There is no native integration with passkeys like those Google, Apple, or Microsoft are implementing in their services. That is, you can't log in to Telegram using a biometric passkey like these systems. However, the term Telegram Passkeys often appears when talking about the following:
- The local access code (passcode or passkey, which allows you to lock the app on mobile, desktop or web).
- Passwords and two-factor authentication systems, which offer additional protection against unauthorized access.
- Third-party solutions that seek to integrate decentralized wallets or authentications (for example, with WebAuthn, as occurs in bots or technically specific miniapps).
In short, if you search for "Telegram Passkeys", the results that appear mix information about Passwords, access codes, double verification and integration tests of wallets or extra technical functionsDon't be fooled: Telegram's basic security relies primarily on a passcode, a two-factor authentication password, and an advanced system for encrypting personal data with Telegram Passport.
Access code and password in Telegram: differences and uses
Telegram allows you to protect access to the application and your account in several ways., depending on the device and your level of demand:
- Local access code (Passcode/Passkey): It's a PIN or password that locks the app locally on your phone, tablet, or computer. If someone takes your device and wants to open Telegram, they'll need to enter that code to see your chats.
- Two-Step Verification Password: This is an additional password, apart from the SMS, that you have to enter when you log in on a new device. It adds extra protection against SIM theft or phishing attacks.
Double-check password protects login While the local passcode protects access to the app that's already launched, both are complementary and highly recommended.
How to activate the access code in Telegram?
Activating the passcode on Telegram is very easy and can be done on Android, iPhone, and desktop. The process is intuitive, but we'll explain it for each platform:
- On AndroidOpen Telegram, go to "Settings," go to "Privacy and Security," and tap "Passcode." Activate it and choose a 4-digit code or alphanumeric password. You can also set up a fingerprint if your phone allows it.
- On iPhone: Go to "Settings," then "Privacy & Security," and select "Passcode & Face ID." Create your PIN and decide whether you want to unlock with Face ID or Touch ID.
- On Telegram Desktop/PCClick the three lines in the top right corner, select "Settings," then "Privacy & Security," and look for "Local Passcode" or "Lock with Passcode." Set your password, which can be longer and more complex if you like.
The local passcode is ideal if you share your device with others, such as family or coworkers, and don't want them to see your private conversations when you're not looking.
Automatic locking and biometric unlocking options
Most users prefer not having to enter the PIN every time they open Telegram, so the app allows you to set an automatic lock after a period of inactivity. For example, you can choose to lock the app:
- After 1 minute
- at 5 minutes
- after 1 hour
- Even at 5 hours, if you prefer
Unlocking can be automatic with fingerprint or face on mobile devices that support it, making it much more convenient to protect and access your chats.
What to do if you forget your access code?
Forgetting your Telegram passcode is more common than you might think. If this happens to you, the possible actions are:
- On Android/iPhone: You have to uninstall the app, reinstall it and log in again from scratch. IMPORTANT: You will lose all your secret chats (the normal ones are maintained, because they are in the cloud).
- On desktop: Simply log out and log back in with your number and SMS code.
Practical advice: Write your code in a password manager or in a safe place, especially if you use secret chats with important content.
How does two-step verification work on Telegram?
In addition to the local code, Telegram offers double verification or Two-Step Verification to protect the login. It consists of creating an additional password that the app will ask you when you try to log in on a new device, to prevent someone, even if they have your SIM or your phone, from accessing your account without your permission.
The process to follow is as follows:
- Open Telegram and go to “Settings.”
- Select “Privacy and security”.
- Click on “Two-step verification.”
- Create your personalized password.
- You can add a hint or a recovery email.
Very important: If you forget this password and your recovery email, you may lose access to your account forever. Telegram cannot recover two-factor authentication passwords without the added email address.
What happens to passkeys and WebAuthn in Telegram mini-apps and bots?
The ecosystem of Mini-apps and bots in Telegram is growing a lot, and some developers are looking to integrate Authentications using passkeys or WebAuthn (FIDO2 keys, biometrics) in mini-apps within Telegram itself. However, there are several important limitations:
- Telegram's internal browser blocks certain APIs essential for passkeys, such as WebAuthn and WebSocket.
- To use passkeys or FIDO2-based logins, you need to open the external link in your browser. (Chrome, Safari, etc.) Within Telegram, it is currently not possible to complete the full registration or login process using passkeys.
- Developers employ tricks like intermediate servers which manage the communication between the miniapp, the Passkey wallet and the user, and only return the result after signing or authenticating in the external browser.
So At the moment, passkeys are not natively supported in Telegram for logging into the app or bots/miniapps directly from the internal browser.If you're a developer and want to integrate these access points, you'll need to use external APIs and bridge servers.
How to maximize the protection of your Telegram account: key recommendations
After reviewing all the security options, it's worth remembering the best tips for protecting your account and personal documents:
- Always activate the local access code, especially if you share a device or are concerned about privacy.
- Don't forget your double verification password. and always add an updated recovery email.
- Do not share your code or password with anyone.If you receive suspicious messages, be suspicious and always verify their source.
- Periodically check connected devices from the “Active Sessions” option to close suspicious sessions.
- Update the Telegram app regularly to always enjoy the latest security improvements and new features.
Note that Telegram never asks for your code via WhatsApp, SMS, or email outside the app.: Be wary of any suspicious requests.
The importance of privacy and security in instant messaging
Telegram stands out for its combination of privacy, flexibility, and many customizable security options.You can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs. Advanced users can enjoy Telegram Passport and data encryption, while those looking for privacy in their chats can rely on the local passcode and two-factor authentication.
Remember Do not use the same password on Telegram as on other services.Avoid obvious passwords, and change your password if you've shared it or suspect someone knows it. If your account is essential to your work or activity, activate all security measures and regularly review connected devices.
telegram offers cutting-edge options to lock and protect your account against unauthorized access on both mobile and desktop. Although it doesn't currently offer universal WebAuthn-type passkeys for login, its password, code, and encryption system is among the most advanced in the industry.
Mastering these options will not only help you protect your information, but will also make your messaging experience much safer and more peaceful on one of the world's most popular services.
Editor specialized in technology and internet issues with more than ten years of experience in different digital media. I have worked as an editor and content creator for e-commerce, communication, online marketing and advertising companies. I have also written on economics, finance and other sectors websites. My work is also my passion. Now, through my articles in Tecnobits, I try to explore all the news and new opportunities that the world of technology offers us every day to improve our lives.